Pilot production in Fremont: Tesla now also produces its own battery cells

Tesla is undoubtedly one of the technology leaders when it comes to electric cars. An important part of the value chain has so far been largely outsourced. Because the battery cells required for the battery are produced by Panasonic. For the X and S models, this is done directly in Japan. In the case of Model 3, however, the cells come from Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada. Here, too, Panasonic is responsible for the production. There have been rumors for some time that Tesla would like to take on this task in the future - at least in part. This now seems to be confirmed. Because the company's various job vacancies show that Tesla is working on setting up its own pilot production of battery cells at its main plant in Fremont.

The energy stores also need battery cells
This message is not really surprising. After all, the carmaker had almost confirmed this to investors. In addition, some acquisitions pointed strongly in this direction. The group initially bought the Maxwell company and brought in important expertise in this area. The company Hibar, which sells production systems for the production of battery cells, was added later. Now battery cells are to be produced in Fremont for the first time exclusively by and for Tesla. The Group can then use this expertise in many areas. Because, in addition to the well-known electric cars, Tesla also sells energy storage devices, for example - and therefore also requires battery cells. However, the partnership with Panasonic is likely to continue for the time being.

There are no concrete plans for Berlin yet
Because the demand for battery cells will continue to increase strongly in the next few years. So both the cells from Japan and Nevada as well as those from Fremont are needed. However, it is still unclear which plans the car maker is pursuing in the planned Gigafactory near Berlin. Battery cells are also to be produced here in the future. So far, however, it has not been communicated whether this will be done independently or again in partnership with a specialized company. The German auto industry is pursuing different strategies when it comes to battery cells. For example, Volkswagen has also set up its own pilot production and wants to break the market power of only Asian suppliers to date. BMW, on the other hand, decided against such a step.